Pair of former OSU hockey players join cast of The Third Period

COLUMBUS (OH) ~ A pair of former Ohio State University hockey players, winger Chris Olsgard and forward Alex Lippincott, join the cast of the feature-length film, THE THIRD PERIOD, as team members of the fictional pro hockey squad the “Columbus Thunder.”

The gritty hockey drama, written and directed by former Fox Sports Ohio reporter Steph Greegor, is tentatively set to film in Columbus, Ohio, the summer of 2019.

“I was drawn to this film for several reasons, but more than anything, I am really excited just to be a part of a legitimate hockey movie,” said Olsgard, who played for the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers from 1998-2000 before joining the Buckeyes from 2000-2004. “The fact we are filming in my adopted hometown of Columbus, is just icing on the cake.”

Alex Lippincott

Joining Olsgard is his friend and former OSU player, Lippincott, who played for the NAHL’s Mahoning Valley Phantoms from 2008-09; the USHL’s Fargo Force from 2009-10; and then joined the Buckeyes from 2010-14.

“I was drawn to this film because anything having to do with hockey, I am all-in, especially when it takes place in Ohio or the Columbus area,” said Lippincott. “I love seeing hockey grow in this area and would like to be part of making that growth happen.”

Olsgard and Lippincott will be two of what will be close to 100 hockey players that will hit the ice for the film, portraying up to eight pro hockey teams for the two-hour character drama set in the world of ice hockey.

“I’ve lived here for the past 18 years and I can’t think of a city that will be more supportive of a hockey film,” said Olsgard, adding that the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets have certainly had an impact on area interest in the sport. “Interest in the local youth hockey programs is at an all-time high and Columbus is starting to produce legitimate NHL talent right now. ”

That, combined with the uptick in films being made in Central Ohio, makes the capital city a prime spot for filming a hockey movie.

“There are many movies in the sports genre that have inspired and motivated me,” said Olsgard. “I really hope this will do the same for others.”

The film follows aging hockey star Mike Olsky as he reaches the end of his career only to get injured. He faces multiple challenges before confronting the ultimate crux of bringing his team together and trying to win the championship.

“Growing the game is a big thing in Columbus right now,” said Lippincott. “A film like this taking place in our backyard only helps that cause. It also helps get the ‘Columbus as a hockey city’ name out there.”

So what are these two former hockey players looking forward to most with the film?

“I am just really excited to see the production side of the movie business,” said Olsgard, who laughed, “I’ve got absolutely no formal training so I am a bit nervous. But at the end of the day we’re all just hockey players playing hockey in front of the cameras.”

Lippincott agreed.

“Seeing how a feature length movie is shot; what types of steps are taken to piece it together,” is what he’s looking forward to. Oh yeah, and “playing a little hockey while on camera.”

“There is nothing better than the camaraderie on the ice and in the locker room,” said Olsgard. “I’m really looking forward to reliving that a bit.”